Zimbabwean hesitant to confront SA over Buffelsfontein mine tragedy

Zimbabwean authorities are reportedly reluctant to directly confront the South African government over the deaths of 20 Zimbabweans at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein. The incident, which claimed the lives of over 80 illegal miners, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the South African government's role in the tragedy.

The miners, many of whom were Zimbabwean nationals, were trapped underground for over four months before their bodies were recovered. Initial reports suggest that survivors resorted to extreme measures to stay alive, including consuming cockroaches and even human flesh. It is believed that the majority of the deceased miners may have succumbed to hunger and dehydration while trapped in the shaft, with supplies of food and medicine cut off by South African authorities.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, defended the decision to shut off food supplies to the miners, stating, "We will smoke them out," a remark that has since drawn condemnation from human rights groups and the international community.

The situation became dire enough that community members and charitable organizations had to seek legal intervention, leading to the Pretoria High Court ordering the South African government to provide rescue services to the miners. Despite the court's ruling, many have criticized the government's delayed response and the conditions that led to the miners' deaths.

A Zimbabwean Embassy official in South Africa stated that while the deaths of Zimbabwean nationals were tragic, the embassy had refrained from intervening in what it deemed a matter for South African authorities to handle. "This issue was really for South African authorities to handle through their policies, administrative processes, and through their various agencies," the official said.

The embassy's stance has drawn criticism, with many questioning why Zimbabwe has not taken a more active role in addressing the deaths of its citizens. The official added that the embassy had not been informed of the cause of death for the Zimbabwean nationals, nor were they certain whether autopsies could be conducted, given the state of the bodies.

Minister of Mines Gwede Mantashe downplayed the controversy, asserting that the government could not be held responsible for the deaths of the illegal miners. He emphasized that the miners were operating unlawfully, and the government had no obligation to protect them.

Despite these remarks, the incident has ignited widespread condemnation, particularly from human rights organizations that have accused the South African government of gross negligence and human rights violations. Many believe the tragedy could have been prevented with better rescue efforts and a more humane approach to the situation.

The Zimbabwean government has yet to make a formal statement regarding the deaths, and as the investigation into the incident continues, the families of the deceased miners are left seeking answers while Zimbabwean nationals continue to face dangerous working conditions abroad.

As tensions rise over the handling of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine disaster, many are calling for greater accountability from both the South African and Zimbabwean governments in addressing the root causes of illegal mining and the safety of miners.